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Pakistan paceman Shoaib Akhtar has announced that he will retire from international cricket after the World Cup.

Shoaib is believed to have informed team-mates of his decision at training and is scheduled to hold a press conference later on Thursday.

The 35-year-old - nicknamed the Rawalpindi Express for his long run-up and ability bowl at high speeds - made his debut for Pakistan back in 1997.

He featured in only 46 Tests though, taking 178 wickets, but found the rigours of five-day cricket tough on his body.

However, the right-armer has played in 178 one-day internationals for his country, picking up 247 scalps with a best of 6-16. His economy rate is also impressive, with it currently standing at comfortably under five-an-over.

Shoaib's career has not been without moments of controversy though; concerns have been raised in the past over his action while he has also had disciplinary issues, including hitting team-mate Mohammad Asif with a bat in 2007.

Despite struggling with his fitness after knee surgery in Australia two years ago, he was still selected in Pakistan's 15-man squad for the World Cup.

So far his performances have been mixed. He has picked up just three wickets and conceded 28 runs in one over against New Zealand.